Washing machine



March 18, 1941- K BY 2,235,452

WASHING MACI'XINE Filed Dec. 18, 1957 q 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jams B. Kirbymvem'on I w ATTogfi/y March 18, 1941.

J. B. KIRBY WASHING MACHINE Filed Deg. 18, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 JamesB. Kar'by INVEHTOR NEY v 7 Patented Mar. 18, 1941 f PATENT OFFICEWASHING MACHINE James B. Kirby, West Richfield, Ohio, assignor to TheApex Electrical Manufacturing Company, as trustee, Cleveland, Ohio,a-corporation of Ohio Application December 18, 1937, Serial No. 180,607Claims. (01. 68-54) This invention relates to new and useful im-.provements in apparatus for washing clothe of the general typeillustrated in my Reissue Patent No. 20,313 which was issued on March20, 1937.

The present invention constitutes a continuation-in-part of myapplication Serial No. 701,853 filed on December 11, 1933, for. Laundrymachine, issued on May 10, 1938, as Patent No. 2,116,759, and it alsohas reference to certain of the im- 10 provements in agitators shown inmy copending application Serial No. 80,252 which was filed on May 18,1936, for Washing machine. I

The invention has for itsobiects the provision of an agitator of thegeneral type described in my 1 above-mentioned patent embodyingcertainimprovements for increasing the washing emciency of the agitator wherebythe same is adapted to thoroughly cleanse the clothes through thecombined action of vigorously working and circulating the clothes aboutin the washing fluid while at the same time subjecting them to theaction of rubbing and scrubbing surfaces of relatively large area andforcibly causing the washing fluid to pass through the pores of thefabric of the clothes. l v

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent andbetter understood after consideration has been given" to the followingdetailed description of the inventiontaken in connection with thedrawings which-show, mere- 1y by way of illustration, structure adaptedfor carryingout the objects of the invention.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevational view of an agitator,illustrative of one embodh ment of the invention; Figure 2 is a planview of the agitator shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 and 4 are detailsectional views to illustrate the construction of the agitatorblades,such views being taken on lines'3-.3 and 4-4 respectively ofEigure 1; Figure 5'is a detail sectional view of'the base and a portionof the center post of the aaltator taken on line 5-5, Figure 2; Figure 6is an enlarged detail sectional view of a portion of one of the bladesof the agitator taken on line H,

Figure 1; Figure 7 is aside elevational view of a modified form ofagitator in which two blades similar to those shown on the agitator inFigure 1 are employed; Figure 8 is a plan view of the a tator shown inFigure '7, the agitator-having been turned approximately forty-five,degrees in a clockwise direction from the position shown in Figure '7;Figure 9 is a side elevational view of another modified form of agitatorin place in a 1 washing machine; Figure 10 is a plan view of theagitator shown in Figure 9; and Figure 11 is an convenience, the convexarea may be stated as of the agitator in a counter-clockwise directionenlarged detail sectional view taken on line I l-i I, Figure 9,01 aportion of one of the blades of the agitator shown in Figures 9 and 10,I

- This invention is concerned primarily with the so-called gyrator typeof washing machine in 5 which the fluid and clothes are circulated bymeans of a dolly or agitator which is adapted to be oscillated about avertical axis in the washing machine tub for the purpose of vigorouslyagitating the clothes and washing fluid in the 0 tub during theoperation of the machine.

In the form of the invention illustrated in FiR- ure 1, there is shown adolly or agitator comprising a base portion land a centrally disposedcenter post 2 extending upwardly therefrom. A 1

plurality of similarly formed blades 3, 4 and 5 project upwardly fromthe base and outwardly from the center post, as shown in the drawings.These blades are warped or wound about the axis of the agitator in acounter-clockwise direc- 20 tion and, as isshown best in Figure 1, thewidth or surface area of each blade is somewhat decreasedat the upperportion thereof where each of the blades is provided with asubstantially vertical section 341, 4a and 511 respectively for thedifferent bladesr 5 t I The'intermediateportion 3b, 4b and 5b of therespective blades is inclined-.withrespect to the horizontal. Thelowerportion 30, 4c and 5c of the respective blades is curved or cupped some-7 what so as toprovide convex area on one side and a concave area on theother side of this portion of each of the blades. For purposes of beinglocated on the upper or forward face of each blade.

When viewed from above, the outside edges of the blades of the agitatorwind about the axis from the bottom to the top thereof. The innerj mostportion of each blade merges with the-centerpost 2 along a substantiallystraight, vertical line. The lowermost portion of each blade is joinedto the base I on a curved line. the convex 45 side of which faces in aclockwise direction.

The opposite faces of each of the blades, are provided with a series ofribs or corrugations i which extend lengthwise of the blades and providerubbing or scrubbing projections thereon. 50

In addition to the lengthwise extending corrugations, the blades of. theagitator are also provided with widthwise or. radially extendingcorrugations or ribs 1 on what has been termed the upper or top face ofthe blades. Perforations or apertures 8 are also provided in the areasbetween the ribs or corrugations of the blades of the agitator.

In the circulation of the fluid and clothes, there is a general movementof the same across the base I of the agitator and as a further means forenhancing the washing action, the base is provided with a series ofannular ribs or corrugations l0. Holes ll are provided in the channelsdefined between each of these ribs or corrugations for the same purposeas for the holes 8 of the blades. The holes II and the ribs l0 cooperateto flex and bend the clothes in much the same manner as for the holes 8and ribs 6 and 1 of the blades, as will be described later herein.

The underside of the agitator is provided with a tapered prismaticopening l2 for the reception of an agitator driving shaft (not shown)having is received in the agitator driving shaft.

The apertures 8 and the corrugations 6 and I.

greatly enhance the washing speed and efliciency of this agitator.Considering these features of construction separately, the ribs orcorrugations which are formed on the blades of the agitator rub andscrub the clothes as they are moved andcontacted by the agitator and theperforations assist in causing the flow of washing fluid through thepores of the fabric of the goods being laundered while at the same timethey cause such goods to be drawn into close contact with .the blades ofthe agitator where they are rubbed and scrubbed during the operation ofthe machine.

The combined use of the perforations and corrugations mutuallycontribute to enhance the advantages each of these features possess whenused separately. For example: the corrugations serve to define shallowdepressions about each aperture to direct and facilitate the movement ofwater therethrough and the movement of liquid through the perforationstends to draw the articles against the corrugations where they arerubbedand scrubbed.

In the more usual construction of agitator where a vertically disposed,imperforate blade is used, the fluid and clothes move by the blades ofthe agitator without any substantial rubbing contact, as described inSnyder Patent No. 1,866,779. In the present construction, however,because of the combined action of the perforations and the rubbingprojections, there is a strong tendency for the clothes to adhere to theblades during their oscillation and the washing action of the agitatoris measurably increased over a smooth imperforate blade, or a smoothblade with perforations or a corrugated imperforate blade. Theinclination of the blades also promotes the washing efliciency of theagitator byproviding a relatively large surface area for contact withthe clothes without, however, overloading the driving motor of themachine.

a The flexing and bending of the clothes is also materially promoted bylocating the perforations in depressed areas of the blades of theagitator.

1 Thus when apiece of fabricv is drawn toward one ing the form of bladeconstruction illustrated in Figure 1 to a two-vaned agitator. In thismodification of the invention, the agitator comprises a base 20, acenter post formed from a frustoconical bottom section 29 and asubstantially cylindrical section 2| extendingupwardly there from as inthe case of the agitator shown in Figure 1 and a pair of oppositelydisposed, curved and inclined blades 22 and 23 which are substantiallythe same as the blades of the agitator shown in Figure 1.

The blades of the agitator are provided with lengthwise extending ribs24 and widthwise extending ribs 25 between which holes 26 are formed.The base 20 has a plurality of annular ribs 21 between which holes 28are provided. Each of the blades is provided with a substantiallyvertical section 22a and 23a respectively, an inclined intermediateportion 22b and 23b respectively, and curved or cupped lower portion220' and 23c respectively, all as in the case of the agitator firstdescribed. The base of this agitator is provided with: a prismaticsocket (not shown) inside the frusto-conical section 29 of the centerpost for the reception of an agitator shaft (not shown) The bladeportions 220. and 23a 22c and 23c of the present agitator and the bladeportions 3a, 4a and 5a, and 3c, 40 and 5c of the agitator firstdescribed are cupped somewhat after the manner disclosed in my earlierpatent.

The modified form of agitator shown in Figures 7 and 8 operates insubstantially the same manner as the agitator shown in Figures 1 to 6and it is intended for use where the matter of cost is an importantfactor as this agitator is somewhat less expensive to make and while itswashing speed may be slightly less than that of the threebladedagitator, it provides a very acceptable type of agitator which isparticularly useful for washing machines in the lower price ranges.

During the operation of the agitators shown in Figures 1 to 8, there isa relative movement of agitator.

In addition to the foregoing, the perforations of the agitator greatlypromote the movement of water through the pores of the fabric of theclothes whereby the same are quickly and thoroughly cleansed during theoperation of the machine and a well-defined washing action takes placethroughout the entire contents of the tub from top to bottom and fromthe center to the outermost portions of the tub. The steppedconstruction of the edge of the upper portion 2a, 3a and 4a and 22a and23a of the blades assists in the washing action by reason of itswavyvoutline and this arrangement also has the very important functionof preventing the clothes from sliding up upon this portion of theblades and becoming hooked over the top of the agitator.

The washing action of the aforesaid agitators may be likened to acombination of washing actions of a gyrator washing machine, a cylinderwashing machine and a vacuum cup Washing machine. For example: in theoperation of this device, the turbulent-agitation of the gyrator washeris reproduced to a very high degree; the close contact with therubbing-and scrubbing cup .machine in forcing the washing fluid back andforth through the pores of the fabric of the articles being washed, isalso achieved.

In Figure 9, there is shown a modified form of agitator in connectionwith a washing machine tub or vat and-suitable gearing for oscillatingthe agitator. In this modification of the invention, the agitator islocated in a tub 30 beneath which there is located a gear case 3| forhousing suitable mechanism for operating the agitator.

lowermost end.

The pinion 33 is driven with a reversely rotary movement by means of areciprocating rack bar 34 which is driven by any-suitable mechanism (notshown) as is customary in machines of the type to which this inventionrelates. The upper end of the agitator shaft 32 is provided with atapered prismatic head 35 which is received in a complementary recessformed in the portion of the agitator defined by the frusto-conical cen-Y ter post section 36.

The agitator disclosed in this modification of the invention comprises abase portion 31 and a centrally disposed, substantially cylindricalsection 38 which extends upwardly from the. frustoconical section 31 andthese two elements combine to form a center post for the agitator.Vertically disposed blades 40, 4| and 42 extend upwardly from the baseand outwardly from the center post of the agitator. The agitator bladesare of grid-like conformation and they comprise a series of uprigntparallel bars 43 and a series of radially extending or width-wiseextending cross bars 44. The bars 43 are of slightly larger diameterthan are the bars 44 and together these bars define an impeller blade ofhighly perforate construction which causes the clothes to stronglyadhere to the blade surfaces during the operation of the machine and inthis manner, the clothes are rubbed and scrubbed while at the same timewashing fluid is. forced through the pores of the fabric of the goods. I

In the operation of the agitator shown in Figures 9 to 11, the movementof the washing fluid and clothes is largely in horizontal paths towardand from the center of the tub and back and forth around the blades ofthe agitator and in so moving, the clothes are subjected to a rubbingand scrubbing action, a forcing of washing fluid through the pores ofthe fabrics being washed,

; and a bending and flexing similar to that described in connection withthe earlier forms of the invention. 1

The washing action at the top surface level of the liquid is slightlyless for the'agitators shown in Figures 1 to 8 than it' is for theagitators described in my cited reissue patent because of the reductionin the blade area at the struction eliminates the splashing of water outof the tub which occasionally occurred in the use of my prior patentedagitators and the new washing features of the present agitators morethan compensate for this slight reduction in the agitation at the upperportion of the tub.

It is important to note that the general circulatory movements of thefluid and clothes which occur during the operation of the agitatorsshown in Figures 1 to 8 take place at a relatively slow speed so thateach of the individual articles of a batch of clothing will be subjectedhood of 200 degrees more or less.

This mechanism includes an agitator driving shaft 32 having a pinion 33fixed at its to the-rubbing and scrubbing and flexing and bending actionof the blades of-the agitator for an appreciable time before they moveaway from the immediate zone of action of such blades.

The various forms of agitators disclosed here in, may be mounted in awashing machinetub for oscillation about a substantially vertical axis,as illustrated in Figure 9 of the drawings, and the amplitude ofagitation may be in the neighbor- In the operation of the machine, thenormal surface level of cleansing fluid is at or slightly above-.orslightly below the top of the agitator, the preferredlevel being aboutan inch below the top of the agitator although the device will operatewith a lesser or a greater amount of water than that mentioned. Wherebut a few number of articles are to be washed, the water level maybelowered, very considerably from the levels mentioned.

The foregoing description and the accompanying drawings to which itrelates, describes what might be termed the preferred modes ofpracticing the invention.

Having thus described my invention what I claim is:

1. In a device of the type described, a tub having a normal surfacelevel of cleansing fluid, an

oscillatable agitator mounted in said tub, said agitator comprisingabase portion, a central portion projecting upwardly therefrom, aplurality of-upstanding blades projecting from said base and centralportions, said blades being inclined with'respect to the horizontal andhaving rubbing and scrubbing corrugations extending lengthwise of theblades and other rubbing and scrubbing projections extending radially ofthe blades between said corrugations and openings forthe passage ofliquid in areas defined between said corrugations and projections, andmean for oscillating said agitator.

2. A washing machine comprising, a tub for washing fluid and clothes, anagitator mounted in said tub for movement about a'vertical axis, andmeans for oscillatingv said agitator, said agitator comprising a bodyportion and a projecting impeller blade extending upwardly, throughoutthe entire height of the tub contents and for a slight distancethereabove, the widthof said blade abruptly decreasing at its uppermostportion, such portion being of stepped construction to preven-t'theclothes being-washed from sliding up with respect to the horizontal withthe width of the blade decreasing as its uppermost portion isapproached, such portion being of stepped construction to prevent. theclothes being washed from sliding up and over the top of the blade andbecoming suspended thereat above the surface level of the washing fluid.

4. A washing machine comprising, a tub for washing fluid and clothes, anagitator mounted in said tub for movement about a vertical axis,

and means for oscillating said agitator, said agitator comprising a body'portion'and a. plurality of projecting impeller blades extendingupward- 1y throughout substantially the entire height of the tubcontents, said blades being of warped configuration with the width ofeach of the blades abruptly decreasing at its uppermost portion, such.portion being of stepped construction to prevent the clothes beingwashed from sliding up and over the top of the blade and becomingsuspended over the top of the agitator.

5; In a device of the type described, a tub having a normal surfacelevel of cleansing fluid, an oscillatable agitator mounted in-said tub,said agitator comprising a body portion, a plurality of upstandingblades projecting from said body portion, said blades being inclinedwith respect to the horizontal and having rubbing and scrubbingcorrugations extending lengthwise of the blades and other rubbing andscrubbing projections extending radially of the blades between saidcorrugations and openings for the passage of liquid in the areas definedbetween said corrugations and projections and means for oscillating saidagitator.

6. In a device of the type described, a'tub having a normal surfacelevel of cleansing fluid, an oscillatable agitator mounted in said tub,said agitator comprising a base portion, a central portion projectingupwardly therefrom, a plurality of upstanding blades projecting fromsaid base and central portions, said blades being inclined with respectto the horizontal and having rubbing and scrubbing corrugationsextending lengthwise of the blades and other rubbing and scrubbingprojections extending radially of the blades between said corrugationsand openings for the passage of liquid in the areas defined between saidcorrugations and projections, said base portion also having rubbing andscrubbing projections for facilitating the cleansing operation,and'means for oscillating said agitator.

'7. In a device of the type described, a tub having a normal surfacelevel of cleansing fluid, an

oscillatable agitator mounted in said tub, said agitator comprising abase portion, a central portion projecting upwardly therefrom, aplurality of upstanding blades projecting from said base and centralportions, said blades being inclined with respect to the horizontal andhaving rubbing and scrubbing corrugations extending lengthwise of theblades and other rubbing and scrubbing projections extending radially ofthe.

blades between said corrugations and openings for the passage of liquidin the areas defined between said corrugations and projections, saidbase portion having circumferentially disposed corrugations withopenings therebetween for rubbing and scrubbing thearticles beingwashed, and

mediate said corrugations and the central portion of the agitator, saidsmooth imperforate portion effecting a radially outward movement of theclothes and water upon agitator oscillation and said corrugationseffecting a scrubbing of the clothes as the clothes traverse thelast-named portion during their outward movement.

9. An agitator adapted to oscillate about a vertical axis comprising abase, a central portion rising centrally from said base, a plurality ofblades joined to said central portion and base, each of said bladeshaving its outer edge portion in the form of a spiral to provide a bladearea curved with respect to the base, each of said blades provided witha perforated portion along its outer edge portion and a smoothimperforate portion intermediate said perforated portion and the centralportion of the agitator, said smooth imperforate portion effecting aradially outward movement of the clothes and water upon agitatoroscillation and said perforated portion effecting a rubbing of theclothes as the clothes trav-- erse the last-named portion during theiroutward movement.

10.An agitator adapted to oscillate about a vertical axis comprising abase, a central portion rising centrally from said base, a plurality ofblades joined to said central portion and base, each of said bladeshaving its outer edge portion curved to provide a blade area inclinedwith respect to the base, each of said blades provided with a corrugatedportion having holes between the corrugations along its outer, curvededge and a smooth imperforate portion intermediate said perforated,corrugated portion and the central portion of the agitator, said smoothimperforate portion effecting a radially outward movement of the clothesand water upon agitator oscillation,

and said perforated, corrugated portion efiecting a retarding, rubbingaction on the clothes as the clothes traverse said perforated,corrugated portion during their outward movement.

JAMES B. KIBBY.

